Hinkley Point C and University of Exeter to tackle skills shortage

Hinkley Point C delivery partners and University of Exeter offer new apprenticeship degree to help beat construction skills shortage.

A new part-time civil engineering degree apprenticeship will be delivered by Laing O’Rourke, in conjunction with partners on Hinkley Point C, collaborating with the University of Exeter.

The University of Exeter will be the first Russell Group university to offer a degree of this type.

The project offers participants five years of study to obtain a degree, while gaining valuable experience through a combination of of on-campus residential, blended learning and experience specifically linked to one of the country’s most important infrastructure projects- Hinkley Point C.

Laing O’Rourke is collaborating with Hinkley Point C partners BYLOR, and with EDF Energy, to deliver a comprehensive programme alongside University of Exeter which will provide students with the dual benefits of studying at a top 10 UK engineering establishment while gaining valuable industry experience.

Katie McLean, Laing O’Rourke Programme Manager, said: “Hinkley Point C will be a hugely innovative and cutting edge project for all partners. A project of this stature provides the perfect platform to help develop talent in a unique and exciting learning environment. We are delighted to be partnering with such a prestigious institution as the University of Exeter in this exciting endeavour.”

John O’Connor, Laing O’Rourke Group Commercial and Human Capital Director, added: “Finding a solution to the skills gap in the UK construction industry is not only critical for the sector but also for the wider economy. Last year we released our skills report which set out a 10 point plan to help tackle the current crisis. Our collaboration with the University of Exeter directly addresses one of those points; to increase the availability of Russell Group university part-time degree apprenticeships. We strongly believe that partnerships like these will play a major role in attracting and nurturing the talent required in our sector moving forward.”

Dr Khurram Wadee, Project Lead and a lecturer in Senior Engineering at the University of Exeter said: “The University of Exeter is well known for providing excellent education and training for undergraduates from across the spectrum of engineering disciplines.

“We have now teamed up with Laing O’Rourke to offer a Degree Apprenticeship in Civil Engineering Site Management, which is a new form of programme, focused on providing engineering employees the chance to graduate with a Bachelor of Engineering degree from a top UK institution.

“We are excited to be able to work closely with industry to offer a degree which will enable students to combine working on real civil engineering projects with a first-rate learning experience at Exeter.”

To begin the project in 2017, 25 students will be split across the delivery partners, earning a salary through their studies, with their tuition fees payed for by the company they are working with.

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